A recent survey conducted by the Gallery found that 43% of respondents believe mindfulness enhances ROI by improving focus and retention, while a study by the award-winning charity Create revealed that 93% of Brits view creativity as vital to their wellbeing. These findings were echoed during a recent roundtable hosted by the Gallery, where 10 industry experts explored the role of mindfulness and inspiration in business events. The discussion revealed that mindfulness is most impactful when seamlessly integrated into the event experience, and not treated as an add-on, but brought to life through thoughtful design, natural pauses, and human-focused environments.

With these insights, the National Gallery is leading the way in embedding mindfulness into event agendas, setting a new standard for how business events can support performances, creative thinking and wellbeing.

Rooted in four key pillars: creativity, mindfulness, enrichment, and connection, this collection of new packages offers immersive experiences that go far beyond the traditional event format. Each package includes a tailor-made guided tour by an art historian, taking delegates through works of art which directly resonate with the chosen theme.

The Creativity package, aimed at inspiring innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, is perfect for brainstorms, strategy meetings, launch events and workshops, and takes delegates on an out-of-hours tour highlighting works from such renowned artists as Van Gogh and Turner.

The Mindfulness package, ideal for team-building days or reflective sessions, offers guided meditation within the gallery. Delegates will immerse themselves in the narrative, colours and emotions of a selected painting, encouraging mindfulness and a sense of calm.

The Enrichment package, recommended for conferences, workshops and training sessions, empowers teams with educational, perspective-broadening experiences, taking delegates on an art history journey to bring paintings to life.

Finally, the Connection package is tailored for networking events and away days. It encourages collaboration by exploring selected artworks through interactive discussions, helping delegates connect to art and each other while also reflecting on the relevance of the pieces to current social and cultural issues.

Clare Arouche, Head of Hospitality & Events at the National Gallery said: “We’re so often directed to be ‘inspired’ by every event and venue that we visit, but at the National Gallery we’re dissecting exactly what it means to be truly inspired through both art and events and how that could facilitate business success. These packages consider the core goal of every event held at the National Gallery and scope out the foundations to deliver an environment that gives delegates the tools to broaden their thinking through our iconic art collection.”

Inspiration Packages for events will be available from 10 May 2025 onwards, please contact venue.hire@nationalgallery.org.uk for more information and bookings.

Guests were treated to a colourful set-up complete with wildflowers, hay bales, vintage carts, and classic funfair games. Entertainment included a bubble performer, glitter artist, and live acoustic sets from Ultimate Event Dancers & Young Guns, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere throughout the evening. Searcys presented a Great British Fête summer-themed menu, featuring a vibrant showcase of seasonal cocktails and curated offerings that captured the spirit of the season.

The event offered industry guests a chance to experience how the HAC can be transformed for summer parties, corporate events, and private celebrations. It also highlighted the venue’s focus on creativity, hospitality, and memorable experiences.

Sarah McQueen, Director of Catering and Events at the HAC, said: “The event was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of our spaces and the service we provide. We were pleased to welcome industry professionals to experience the HAC in a unique setting and showcase the creativity and attention to detail that defines our approach.”

The exclusive dinner marked one of the final events in Exploring Space before it officially closes on 15th May 2025 as part of an ambitious transformation of the ground floor galleries. It was also an opportunity for to share future plans for the museum with clients firsthand, which include a new Space gallery opening in the Autumn, followed by Tomorrow: The Peter Bennett Gallery in early 2027.

In addition to this, guests were reminded of the important role venue hire plays in supporting the museum’s missions and values and ensuring STEM is made accessible to everyone. A special film, “The Legacy”, by Pete Baron Creative shared real-life stories that brought three of the museum’s core missions to life: inspiring futures, the apprenticeship programme, and the new galleries as part of the museum’s expansion.

The special evening event was created in collaboration with new suppliers London Event Productions and Jimmy Garcia Catering, alongside long-term partners Velvet Living, Lavender Green and Sternberg Clarke. It was also a pleasure to have photographer Noah from Two By Two capturing the evening.

On arrival, guests were welcomed into the Energy Hall where the mill engine was being operated by museum apprentice Jevantte Palmer, who featured in The Legacy film. Whilst enjoying drinks and innovate canapes from Jimmy Garcia which featured LED lightboxes, the museum’s explainers were conducting live science experiments with dry ice and flash cotton.

Following a speech from Jodie Fletcher, Business Development Manager at the Science Museum, and the premiere of The Legacy film, guests moved through to Exploring Space for the exclusive dinner where they were greeted with an impressive hologram of the Apollo 10 created by London Event Productions.

The two-course menu courtesy of Jimmy Garcia included grilled Wye Valley asparagus, wild garlic sauce and crispy broad beans to start followed by stuffed lamb cannon rolled in spring cabbage, broad bean & pea fricassee, polenta chip and lamb sauce.

After dinner, guests moved back into the Energy Hall for the post-dinner reception where liquid nitrogen desserts were being served. The events team had one last surprise of the night with the long-awaited return of aerial artists to the roster of entertainment courtesy of Sternberg Clarke, who performed a special routine to Rocketman.

Jodie Fletcher, comments: “We wanted to create a special evening in Exploring Space so that we could bid farewell to one of our most popular galleries with clients old and new, whilst sharing with them our exciting plans for the future and how their support continues to impact the museum’s wider mission. Working with some of our fantastic suppliers we created a true legacy event which we hope will live long in the memory of our guests!”

While the demand for corporate events remains strong, event organisers are navigating a landscape of rising operational costs, putting a squeeze on profitability. Simultaneously, clients are demanding tighter turnaround times for event planning and execution, creating additional pressures.

Butlin’s new Corporate Day Business Packages offer an ideal solution to these challenges.

Ervina Kiezaite, National Sales Manager says, “At Butlin’s, we’ve spent 85 years mastering how to bring people together for moments that matter. When local businesses told us they wanted day packages that felt special without the eye-watering price tag, we didn’t just think ‘meeting rooms’ – we thought BIG. Why not give them the Butlin’s treatment?

That means access to our iconic seaside venues, fuss-free tech setups, and even the option to add a dash of proper fun – like team-building on our fairground rides; brainstorming sessions with a side of fish and chips or brand-new indoor activity centre, PLAYXPERIENCE, in Bognor. It’s business, Butlin’s-style: where productivity gets a helter-skelter twist, and every event feels like a breath of fresh (sea) air. And because we’re properly rooted in our communities, we’ve made sure these packages partner with local suppliers too. After all, that’s the Butlin’s way – doing good business while making sure everyone leaves with a grin!”

In an era where return on both time and investment is paramount, Butlin’s all-in-one offering provides unparalleled engagement opportunities. Businesses can benefit from integrated facilities, including versatile event spaces, dining, and accommodation, all within one convenient location. This streamlined approach saves valuable planning time and ensures a cohesive and engaging experience for delegates.

Butlin’s event spaces come equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment, removing the need for sourcing additional suppliers. The resorts also feature several restaurants and bespoke corporate catering options, including private hire, DineAround and experiential street food set ups–providing diverse ways to maximise attendee engagement through mealtimes.

And of course, Butlin’s lives up to its reputation as the Home of Entertainment, and corporate groups can add access to the famous Fairground at all three resorts and the brand new PLAYXPERIENCE activity centre in Bognor.

Butlin’s Corporate Day Packages allow the dedicated event teams on site at each resort to deliver an event in as little as 3-weeks from contracting, uniquely positioning Butlin’s to accommodate clients requiring rapid event solutions without compromising on quality or impact. Another key element is scalability–Butlin’s can cater to a wide range of event sizes, accommodating groups up to 1500 delegates.

With the launch of these new packages, Butlin’s Conferences & Events reaffirms its commitment to providing innovative and value-driven solutions for the corporate events market, directly addressing the evolving needs of agencies and corporates.

From ceremonies to after-parties, the venue’s layout is designed to keep the celebration flowing. Say your vows in the White Space, a bright, blank canvas ready to be transformed. Toast to the occasion with bespoke cocktails at the copper-fronted concrete bar, then move seamlessly into a reception space designed for dining, dancing, and everything in between. The Ministry’s mix of open-plan and intimate areas allows couples to shape their day exactly how they want it—without rigid timelines or conventional restrictions.

Drinks take centre stage, with the bar team crafting custom cocktails tailored to each couple’s taste. Whether it’s a twist on a classic or a completely new creation, every detail is designed to reflect the personality of the day. Ministry Venues works closely with a handpicked selection of suppliers, ensuring exceptional catering, production, and styling to bring each couple’s vision to life.

With striking interiors, an electric atmosphere, and a team dedicated to making the planning process effortless, weddings at The Ministry are all about fun, energy, and a celebration that feels like you.

Ministry Venues invites couples to plan, propose, and party in a space that’s as unique as their love story.

www.ministryvenues.com

Situated amidst 5,000 acres of picturesque farmland, meadows, paddocks, and woodlands, Innes House has long been celebrated for its architectural beauty and serene environment. The estate’s rebranding reflects a renewed commitment to providing guests with unparalleled experiences that blend historic charm with modern luxury. Alongside the rebrand, the family have also committed to developing other properties on the estate with the renovation of two additional estate houses for tourism and hospitality.

Innes House continues to serve as an exclusive venue for gatherings, corporate events, bespoke retreats and weddings. The estate’s expansive grounds, mature woodlands, and proximity to the Cairngorm National Park, Spey Valley distilleries, and Moray’s golden beaches make it an ideal destination for various celebrations and occasions. In addition to the accommodation available in the main house, the family developed the Gatehouse, completed in 2022, and are now also delighted to offer NEW accommodation on estate, with the renovation of Viewfield Farmhouse.

This project has seen the transformation of a farmhouse on the estate into luxurious self-catering accommodation, offering guests an intimate retreat that combines traditional aesthetics with contemporary comforts. The renovation preserves the farmhouse’s historic character while integrating modern amenities to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travellers. The holiday lets are booked separately from Innes House but can easily be booked as part of an Innes House ‘stay’ (subject to availability) if additional accommodation is required. Bookings for Viewfield Farmhouse are now open for stays commencing in June 2025.

Guests staying on the estate will have the opportunity to explore the estate’s diverse landscapes, partake in local sporting activities, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region. The estate’s location offers easy access to nature walks, mountain treks, golf and Scotland’s renowned whisky trails.

Edward and Zoë Tennant, the current owners of Innes House, expressed their enthusiasm about the estate developments: “We are immensely proud of the enhancements of the Innes House brand. Our goal has always been to offer guests a home-away-from-home experience, and the rebrand and developments on the estate allows us to extend our hospitality to those seeking a private and immersive stay in the Scottish Highlands.”

For more information or to make a reservation at Innes House, please visit Innes House’s official website.

Last year the team launched the latest upgrade to its Milton Keynes Technology Campus, as it unveiled a new 46.25 metre LED screen in their main auditorium, MK-7. The screen, supplied by PPDS, is one of the biggest indoor dvLED wall in Europe and provides the perfect backdrop to its fleet of F1 cars.

The Team’s Group Guest Experience Director, Nick Kenton, commented: “We continue to see huge interest from brands wishing to incorporate the fast-paced, innovative world of F1 into their events. We partner with suppliers who support our vision to offer the brands the absolute best setting for their business events and we are excited to continue building on this in 2025.”

Among the venue team’s partners is catering company, Baxter Storey, who this year celebrated its 20^th birthday and in 2023 was recognised as the first-ever business and industry sector caterer to achieve ‘World Class’ status by Hospitality Assured.

Across the site, Red Bull Technology Group can cater for a variety of conferences and events. Named in tribute to its Buckinghamshire home, MK-7 offers a unique setting for brand activations, receptions, dinners, conferences and intimate meetings, and the ongoing upgrades signal the Team’s increasing commitment to the conference and events sector.

A limited number of exclusive hire dates are now available to book in 2026 offering clients the opportunity to take over the museum for a high-profile brand activation, annual conference or summit. Exclusive daytime hire means the museum can accommodate larger briefs with more complex and creative installs, with extended planning time.

The museum’s blockbuster exhibitions, which are available for private viewings and tours, are always in high demand as part of an event experience and until 4th May 2026, the museum will be hosting a first-of-its-kind exhibition that examines the unique cinematic vision of Wes Anderson. Created in collaboration with the celebrated American filmmaker, the exhibition follows his work from his early experiments in the 1990s right up to his recent Oscar-winning flicks, featuring original props, costumes and behind-the-scenes insights.

With each Wes Anderson picture plunging the viewer into a world with its own codes, motifs, references and instantly recognisable sets and costumes, there’s a real opportunity to create a unique event experience at the museum next year that takes inspiration from his films.

Additionally, ‘Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s’ will also be available until the end of March 2026 for private viewings and tours. This sensory extravaganza of music, flamboyant fashions and pioneering art, film and graphic design will give guests an experience of the trailblazing club before the option to enjoy a party of their own in the museum’s impressive Atrium. 

Livia Puggini, Head of Commercial Hire & Events, comments: “We’re excited to have opened the diary for the entirety of 2026 meaning clients can already start planning next year’s events with us. Demand has never been higher and with lead times getting longer, we want to be able to offer clients the opportunity to secure their 2026 dates, whilst also ensuring a longer lead time for events, particularly for clients who want to exclusively hire the museum. Next year will once again feature a major exhibition programme so clients can be assured there will be some blockbuster events to add to their experience!”

For more information or to enquire about booking an event in 2026, contact the Design Museum’s venue hire team on 020 3862 5907 or email venuehire@designmuseum.org.

As part of the acquisition, Banking Hall, OXO2, 26 Leake Street, and Victoria Bath House will now operate under Broadwick. The integration brings fresh potential for these venues and their teams, aligning with Broadwick’s expertise in venue management and operations.

Simon Tracey, CEO of Broadwick, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Camm & Hooper to Broadwick. Their venues and expertise align with our vision, and together, we’ll build on their success to deliver outstanding events. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Camm & Hooper, ensuring its venues remain leading destinations in London’s event scene.”

Derick Martin of Camm & Hooper, said: “Joining Broadwick Group is a game-changer for Camm & Hooper. Their expertise and ambition perfectly complement our own, and together, we’re set to elevate what’s possible in the events industry. This isn’t just about continuity — it’s about pushing boundaries, creating new opportunities, and ensuring our venues continue to thrive as some of the most exciting spaces in London.”

Objective

The BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party celebrates British film talent, offering a more intimate and spectacular setting for the nominees. For the third consecutive year, the National Gallery hosted the event, seamlessly blending the cultural heritage of its art with the glamour of cinema, elevating the experience for all in attendance.

Hosted by prestigious sponsor Bvlgari amongst others, the event was designed to create a memorable experience and build anticipation for nominees, their families and publicists the night before the awards ceremony. The venue needed to be not only visually striking but also flexible enough to accommodate the event’s unique demands.

Amongst the distinguished guests were Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Hugh Grant, Isabella Rossellini, Jeremy Strong, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sebastian Stan, BAFTA Fellow Warwick Davis, Yura Borisov and EE Rising Star Award-nominees David Jonsson, Jharrel Jerome, Marisa Abela, Mikey Madison and Nabhaan Rizwan, along with many more nominees and industry professionals.

With 750 attendees, the Gallery’s unique spaces were fully utilised, ensuring a seamless flow while preserving the integrity of the historic venue. Each room served a distinct purpose, contributing to the grandeur of the evening.

Execution  

With the Gallery closing to the public at 6pm and the event commencing promptly at 7.30pm, the transformation of the venue into a red-carpet spectacle was nothing short of a monumental undertaking. The seamless execution demanded meticulous pre-planning, the coordination of 60 staff members and exceptional organisation, ensuring every detail was perfected for this prestigious occasion.

Venue set up
The Portico Foyer served as the primary entrance with Event Concept/AP&Co cloakroom facilities, a Bvlgari storage area, and floral displays at the bottom pillars. The Mosaic Terrace featured a BAFTA mask display on the middle landing and a dedicated social media moment at the top landing.

The Central Hall, defined by an elevated glass ceiling and lined with rich red walls with a capacity for 200 people, served as the VIP hub and press area, where guests enjoyed meet-and-greets, photobooth sessions, and interactions amongst the paintings in the elegant setting.

The Barry Rooms, with majestic domed ceilings and marble pillars, and capacity for 300, were transformed into a stylish bar area by Event Concept, where guests could mingle and be photographed against an impressive backdrop. To ensure accessibility, it featured a specially designed bar with a lowered section to accommodate wheelchair users.

Room 34, previously adorned with paintings, was left bare due to The Wonder of Art – an ambitious project that will see the Gallery’s collection completely rehung and reimagined. This unique challenge inspired creative solutions, including stunning wall projections of the BAFTA head and Bvlgari logo, as well as a striking Bvlgari photo moment—additions that would not typically be permitted within the historic space.

Room 32 hosted a Don Julio bar with DJ booth and small stage where singer Mabel delivered a performance to a recorded track, complemented by strategically placed speakers and uplighters.

Atmosphere and experience
Luxury florist, Veevers Carter added a magical touch to the décor with bespoke floral designs throughout the venue, further enhancing the ambience of the event.

AV elements played a crucial role in transforming the space, with the AV team from Event Concept working closely with the Gallery’s conservation department to ensure all technical setups, such as lighting and sound, respected the artworks and building. To add a modern twist to the historical setting, a lit pathway replaced the traditional red carpet, minimising waste and keeping sustainability in mind.

Photography was restricted to designated areas due to the Gallery’s policies on the artwork, but this challenge was managed effectively by setting up specific backdrops for photo opportunities, ensuring guests could capture memorable moments during the evening.

Catering was provided by Alison Price & Co, and offered a sustainable standing dinner with canapés and bowl food crafted from produce supplied by local farms, balancing refinement with forward-thinking creativity.

Results

The combination of inspiring cultural décor, flexible spaces and the expertise of the National Gallery’s events team resulted in a stunning and successful event.  

Event Producer from BAFTA said: “I wanted to say a huge thank you to the team at the National Gallery for such a successful Nominees’ Party! You all made the experience so easy and everyone enjoyed the magical experience.

“We’ve had such great feedback from staff, board members, our executive team and guests so I couldn’t be happier. They’ve all said how beautiful the venue looked and how smoothly it ran. Thanks again to everyone who had a part to play in the event’s success!”

By creating a memorable evening, the National Gallery has further solidified its reputation as an iconic venue for prestigious and inspirational events, ensuring its continued role as host for the BAFTA celebration in 2026.